Penmate Inmate Support Guides
free-vs-paid-video-visits-douglas-county

Free vs. Paid Video Visits at Douglas County Jail: how to choose, schedule, and avoid compatibility issues

• 3 min read • dcso.com
Free vs. Paid Video Visits at Douglas County Jail: how to choose, schedule, and avoid compatibility issues

Douglas County Jail offers video visitation for Adults in Custody (AICs) and the people who care about them. Visits run through Smart Communications (SmartInmate), whether you’re using the free video booths in the Justice Building or paying for a remote visit from your own device.

You've got two options for video visits. The first is free: use one of the on-site video booths in the Justice Building. You'll still need to reserve a time online, but there's no charge. The second option is remote - visit from your own computer or smart device through SmartInmate. More convenient, but it comes with a fee.

The free video booths are in the Justice Building's 3rd-floor lobby. Hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 am to 4:30 pm. They're closed on holidays.

Need an accessible setup? One of the three booths is ADA compliant.

Plan around holiday closures. The on-site booths are closed on New Years Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.

  1. Go to SmartInmate and sign in - scheduling for both on-site (free) and remote (paid) video visits is done online through SmartInmate.
  2. Choose your visit type - pick an on-site Justice Building video visitation unit if you want the free option, or choose a remote visit if you want to connect from your own device.
  3. Select a time and reserve it - on-site visits must be scheduled ahead of time, and remote visits also require an online booking.
  4. Confirm your details before the visit - double-check you selected the right visit type (on-site vs. remote) so you don’t show up at the Justice Building when you meant to connect from home, or vice versa.
Free vs. Paid Video Visits at Douglas County Jail: how to choose, schedule, and avoid compatibility issues

iPhone users: Don't use Safari for SmartInmate video visits - it's not compatible. Use Google Chrome instead.

  • ✓ Schedule ahead either way: the free Justice Building units still require an online reservation through SmartInmate.
  • ✓ If you need the free option, plan for the Justice Building’s weekday window (Monday–Friday, 7:30 am–4:30 pm) and remember it’s closed on holidays.
  • ✓ If you want to visit from home, remote video visits can be done from any computer or smart device with a webcam through SmartInmate, but expect a fee.
  • ✓ Check SmartInmate for current pricing and any visit-time availability before you lock in plans, especially if you’re coordinating work schedules, childcare, or travel.
  • ✓ If you’re on an iPhone, set yourself up for success by using Chrome (or another compatible browser) instead of Safari for remote visits.

Find an Inmate at Douglas County Jail

Search for a loved one and send messages and photos in minutes.

Exact spelling helps find results faster

Free to search · Used by families nationwide
Woman using phone to connect with loved one

More from Douglas County Jail

how-to-put-money-on-account-douglas-co

5 Ways to Put Money on Someone's Account at Douglas County Jail (what each option requires)

Douglas County Jail offers several ways to add money to an Adult in Custody (AIC) account - online, by phone, at a kiosk, or through the mail. Here are the five deposit options you'll encounter, along with what each one requires.

before-your-first-call-douglas-county-checklist

Before Your First Call from Douglas County Jail: a checklist for family and friends

That first call can come when you least expect it. Set up your SmartInmate account now, figure out funding, and know what to avoid - then you'll be ready when the phone rings.

douglas-county-phone-calls-faq

Douglas County Jail Phone Calls: 5 Questions Families Ask Most

Phone calls are often the fastest way to stay connected, but the rules can feel confusing at first. Here are the five questions families ask most about Douglas County Jail phone calls - answered in plain language.